Vanlife: a state of mind, a myth, a brand = a Westfalia community!

“Ah, the Westie! More than just a vehicle, it has become a symbol of freedom and a standard-bearer for the entire vanlife movement. There’s something exhilarating about the idea of setting off on an adventure behind the wheel of an old Westie.”

Often associated with hippie culture, among its community of owners, the Westfalia is, above all, synonymous with freedom. When you decide to buy a Westfalia, whether new, used, or an “Old Westie”, you don’t just become the owner of a vehicle. You also become part of a community!

“When you’re driving in a Westie and you come across another Westfalia owner, you have to wave. That’s the rule!”

Westie owners are passionate people who are always happy to share their travel adventures. And if you need advice, they’ll always be there. Whether it’s in a car park or on one of the many Facebook groups for owners, a helping hand is never far away!” explains the Go-Van team.

The Westfalia community exchanges tips and addresses. For example, to offer the hospitality of a courtyard entrance to those looking for a place to stop for the night.

Testimonials from Westfalia fans

« Ici c’est notre plus bel investissement. Notre Kepler five est venue compléter notre famille. La mer, la montagne, la campagne ou la ville il passe partout. À chaque saison il répond présent à nos envies d’évasion, départ prévu ou imprévu il s’adapte à toutes nos envies. Notre coup de coeur de l’année, restera notre road trip de 10 jours sur la côte d’Azur. Nous avons découvert le Parc national des Calanques, Cassis, Hyères, St Raphaël, St Tropez, Cannes, Nice et Monaco. Un séjour inoubliable où nous avons fait le plein de découvertes et grâce au confort et à la fiabilité de Westfalia le rêve continue. Sur la route c’est un vrai bonheur de conduite, 2500km de plaisir avec une consommation maîtrisée. En mode bivouac c’est l’émerveillement de nos deux garçons de 12 et 8 ans. Chaque soir un nouveau terrain de jeu, un peu de logistique et notre van se transforme pour une belle nuit à quatre. Le meilleur arrive au petit matin avec « la vue » un moment magique inscrit dans le présent avant une nouvelle journée « on the road ». Merci à Westfalia de contribuer à notre bonheur et à l’épanouissement sans limite de notre famille. Un peu de patience avant le prochain départ… Direction la Suisse ! »

Lucie, a member of the Westfalia Community

“A Westfalia isn’t very big: it can be parked in a street, on the edge of a park, on a site reserved for extreme campers, in places where tents, caravans and recreational vehicles don’t all have access. We blend into the background. That’s how you create unexpected encounters. It’s hard to understand if you haven’t experienced it yourself. That’s why the community of Westfalia owners is a world apart. You spend months just going with the flow, and when you come back, it’s hard to readjust…”

Another member of the Westfalia Community, now retired.

A growing Westfalia community

There are numerous online Westfalia blogs and fans groups. Focus on a vanlifer Facebook group. The Westfalia Kepler Fans group brings together a community of owners and enthusiasts of the legendary brand’s vehicles.

Created in January 2020 at the initiative of vanlife, the Westfalia Kepler Fans Facebook group now has 2,300 members. Obviously, as with any group of enthusiasts, its aim is not to bring together the largest possible community, but rather to bring together web users who are motivated by and interested in the brand and its iconic leisure vehicles. Owners of vans from Westfalia’s Kepler range are the first to be targeted, whether it’s the Kepler One, Five, Six or Jules Verne, Kelsey.

“The aim of the group is to make it easier to meet people, exchange ideas and tips, organise road trips and share ideas with other enthusiasts, around a topic that unites us all: Vanlife.”

This online community of Westfalia fans shares photos of trips made in the famous vans marked with the compass rose, in every corner of the world. It’s also a great place to share ideas on where to stop.
Meet people, exchange ideas, and share your favourite spots and travel photos.

Photo of a sunset posted on the Westfalia Kepler Fans Facebook group.

Like other Facebook groups, the Westfalia fan group also allows you to share DIY tips: tutorials on installing electrical equipment, installing a push button to open the rear tailgate from inside the van… from simple details to expert advice.

“We may be amateurs, but we’re passionate about what we do. We share advice on everything from electricity, layout tips and van maintenance, to the best places to purchase equipment.”